Whether you are still in training and inexperienced in the intricacies of a job search—or are post-training and simply too busy with life and work—outsourcing certain unfamiliar or time-intensive aspects of your job-search process may be attractive.
The key is to understand which services are applicable and available to you at each stage of the process.
Writing your curriculum vitae (CV)
First impressions are made the moment you submit your application. Because your CV is often the first thing you’ll share with an organization, it’s crucial that you don’t undervalue its quality. Remember, the organization is likely considering multiple candidates for the job you want.
Depending on your CV formatting knowledge and overall writing skills, this is one such area you may consider third-party assistance. There are numerous CV or resume writing services online that can help you either revamp or create a new CV that maximizes your chances of standing out from the crowd.
Finding open opportunities
For physicians struggling to locate job openings that match their desired geographic location or practice setup, there are a couple types of organizations that may prove to be advantageous partners as part of your search. Recruiting firms or physician agencies may provide access to job openings that you may not have seen on your own otherwise.
It is important to note that there are differences in the business models of these types of organizations that you should know prior to using either. Recruiting firms work for (and are paid by) the employer to source as many candidates as possible for their respective openings. Physician agencies work for (and are paid by) the job-seeking physician to locate as many job options as possible matching their search parameters.
Contract review
Given the potential legal ramifications associated with your employment agreement and contract, it’s advisable to use a contract review service prior to signing. Physician contracts were written by the employer’s attorneys to protect the employers’ interests; there’s no reason that you shouldn’t do the same.
Though many contract review services exist, choose an attorney with experience in physician contract review. Attorneys specialize—just like physicians. It is not worth saving a few hundred dollars by using your friend/relative/classmate who practices family law to review a contract potentially worth millions of dollars. Select an experienced health care contract attorney.
Negotiation
In addition to having a health care attorney review your contract, you’ll also want to fully understand the prospective negotiations that may be necessary. This information may or may not be included as part of your contract review service.
Most physicians cite compensation as a target for negotiations. And though compensation experts exist, note that there may be many other items within a contract that may be negotiable and beneficial, too.
Health care contract review attorneys have a greater understanding of the full spectrum of negotiable items. Seeking out those with the most experience can also provide a much greater understanding with regards to approach and strategy, which will help even if you choose to complete the negotiations yourself.
June 1, 2012
Therese Karsten
